Real Betis threw away the chance to take a first-leg lead in their Copa del Rey semi-final clash with Valencia.
With this season’s final being played at Betis’ own Benito Villamarín Stadium, there is extra incentive for Quique Setién’s side to book their place in May’s final.
The hosts led through goals from Loren Moron and Joaquin but Denis Cheryshev’s near-post header offered Los Che hope with 20 minutes of the match remaining.
Kevin Gameiro, still sporting a black eye after a clash with Barcelona’s Gerard Pique last Saturday, came off the bench to provide a cool finish deep into added time to leave the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg on February 28.
Betis took the lead just before the half-time whistle with Loren heading home in added time.
Joaquin, who won the Copa during his first spell with Betis back in 2015, scored directly from a corner kick nine minutes into the second-half, catching Jaume Doménech out to bend his effort in at the near post.
Valencia fought on however with Cheryshev finishing a fine sweeping move with his near-post finish.
Gameiro continued his impressive run of form to find the equaliser, sliding past former Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles after being fed through by Rodrigo.
The winner of this tie will go onto meet Barcelona or Real Madrid in the final. That contest is also level at its half-way point after a 1-1 draw at the Nou Camp on Thursday.
